Motives Behind Thwarted Attempt on Trump by Ryan Wesley Routh Revealed

Man standing in front of investigator's corkboard in a dimly-lit room with his back to the camera.

The foiled assassination attempt on President Trump by Ryan Wesley Routh has ignited widespread debate and speculation.

At a Glance

  • Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, charged with two gun crimes following the suspected assassination attempt.
  • Routh dropped off a box containing a letter claiming it was an assassination attempt on Trump.
  • FBI found multiple cellphones, documents and ammunition in Routh’s vehicle.
  • Routh camped outside Trump’s golf course for nearly 12 hours before being arrested.

The Incident and Charges

On September 15, Ryan Wesley Routh was apprehended at Trump International Golf Club in Florida for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Law enforcement responded to reports of a man with a rifle aimed at a Secret Service agent. The FBI found various items in Routh’s possession, including six cellphones, a rifle, and letters admitting his intent to kill Trump. Routh has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.

Routh’s disturbed letter left at Trump International Golf Club was addressed to “The World” admitting to the assassination attempt. The letter also offered $150,000 to anyone who could complete the assassination. A separate note criticized Trump’s policies and foreign relations, accusing him of contributing to global instability.

“This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job,” said the letter found at the scene.

Court Appearance and Evidence

Routh appeared in court in Florida, showing little to no emotion and dressed in a blue jumpsuit, shackled at his hands and feet. U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe ruled that Routh be held pending trial. During the hearing, prosecutors stated that Routh’s primary reason for being in Florida was to assassinate Trump. The items discovered in Routh’s vehicle and campsite included ammunition, a passport, and lists detailing Trump’s appearances, adding weight to the prosecutor’s claims.

Evidence presented in court revealed Routh’s criminal history and his involvement in international conflicts, including Ukraine and Russia. Found items further connected him to clandestine operations, raising suspicion about whether he acted alone or was potentially backed by external entities.

Motives and Speculations

Routh’s motives remain under scrutiny. Known for previous run-ins with the law and machine gun possession, his background has heightened concerns. A notebook with notes criticizing the Russian and Chinese governments and information about joining Ukraine’s war against Russia was found in his vehicle, adding layers to his complex profile. According to a detention memo, Routh’s year-long surveillance of Trump properties points to a meticulously planned attempt, yet the full scope of his connections and intentions is yet to be uncovered.

“Everyone across the globe from the youngest to the oldest know [sic] that Trump is unfit to be anything, much less a US president,” Routh said.

Routh’s sister, a licensed attorney in North Carolina, offered to house him if released on bail, but the court denied this motion, citing the severity of the charges and past criminal behavior. Heavy police presence continues to linger around Trump International Golf Club, responding to the heightened threat after the incident.

Sources:

  1. Man charged in apparent Trump plot wrote ‘This was an assassination attempt,’ court filing shows
  2. Ryan Routh’s Letter About Trump Assassination Attempt: ‘Tried My Best’

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